Helmet Mask
Item
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Accession Number
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2024.23.
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Title
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Helmet Mask
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Ethnic Group
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Fang
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Subject
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Mask|Ceremonial|Central Africa
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Country
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Gabon
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Date
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Early 20th Century
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Medium
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Patinated wood, Kaolin
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Format
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H x W x D: 15 in x 11 1/4 in x 9 1/4 in (38.1 cm x 28.575 cm x 23.495 cm)
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Description
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The large helmet mask is a type of Fang Ngil mask, recognizable by the usage of white kaolin to paint the face. The mask has two mirrored sides, both depicting a long heart shaped face. A thin, elongated nose divides the face in half connecting to the rounded brow bones above the eyes. The mouth is wide with rows of teeth protruding. Detailed lines have been carved into the top of the head in the patinated wood to resemble scarification patterns. The ngil masks were most likely worn by a male society during the initiation or reprimanding of members. The white kaoli may be in reference to the power of the ancestors.
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Type
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Face Mask
